Today was a very special day in New York. It was the first ING New York City Marathon since Hurricane Sandy and The Boston Marathon bombing. Last year, the controversial cancellation of the marathon left a lot of would-be-runners upset, and I remember seeing them run up and down the streets of Manhattan as a symbol of solidarity despite the marathon’s cancellation.
The race actually runs right near my apartment on 1st Avenue, and after we stood watching it for a while, we walked around the blockades, through Central Park and into the Upper West Side to enjoy a beautifully chilly day in the city. The race literally snakes around Manhattan, so several areas are blocked off. We watched as friends and family members searched to congratulate their loved ones in the race. And lucky for me, the Starbucks on 76th and Columbus was within a few blocks from where runners could reunite with family. In fact, as my boyfriend and I walked into the Starbucks I got the pleasure of witnessing a man embrace his female partner who had just finished the race. You could tell she was exhausted beyond belief as she nearly collapsed in his arms as he tried to wrap his jacket around her.
So obviously because of the marathon this Starbucks was as crowded as a nightclub this afternoon. Literally, I you had to shuffle through line inch-by-inch and the option of sitting was simply out of the question. However, I have been to this Starbucks in the past, and I can say that I had no trouble finding a seat and the crowd was totally manageable. But it’s not everyday that 47 thousand marathoners take the streets of NYC.
The Good:
The Location… Just off Central Park in the Upper West Side with tons of great restaurants nearby.
The Crowd… Due to the ING NYC Marathon it was extremely crowded today. But I know for a fact that it usually does not see that bad of a crowd on its regular day-to-day operations.
The Bad:
The Seating… It offers only window seating in one long row.
The Restroom… Just the one.
Barista Friendliness:
Drink of Choice:
Venti Gingerbread Latte… My first time trying this drink and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I even got it with whipped cream. If you like sweets, you’ll love this one.
Overall Starbucks Rating:
The perfect Starbucks to reunite with loved ones after the NYC Marathon.
Starbucks and the City 
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